David “Dave” Carl Matheny

David “Dave” Carl Matheny, 80, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024. Dave was born on September 26, 1943, to Carl and Fern (Tweedy) Matheny in Peoria, Illinois. His family then moved to Carbondale where he grew up. Upon graduating from University High School in 1961, he joined the United States Army. Following his time in the service, Dave spent the majority of his career working in sales for The Jewel Tea Company, Schwan’s Company, and others throughout central Illinois. He was a kind man who never met a stranger. Much of Dave’s adult life was spent living in Mansfield, Illinois. His smile was well-known throughout the community. He was a devoted member of New Horizon Church in Champaign, Illinois until moving to South Carolina where he attended Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia. Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Olmsted of 51 years; his five children, David (Nickie) Matheny of Carbondale, IL, Emily (Nathan) Cheek of Tipton, IN, Jamie Kerrens of St. Louis, MO, Kathy (Kevin) Watts of Columbia, SC, and John (Brandy) Matheny of Columbia, SC; his grandchildren, Tiffany (Kory) Wesselman, Nathan (Shevi) Cheek, Jeana Cheek, Adam Cheek, Blake Kerrens, Hanah Watts, Taylor Matheny, Will Matheny, Jarod Cheek, and Nelson Watts; and great-grandchildren, Emmalyn Wesselman and Ryker Cheek. A Celebration of Life to honor Dave will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26 at New Horizon Church, 3002 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign, IL with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following in Dave’s memory. He spent time volunteering with these organizations as they were dear to his heart. Victory Ranch Retreat Center – Eastover, SC: https://cadence.org/ministry/victory-ranch/# Salt & Light Ministries – Champaign/Urbana, IL: https://salt-light.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/PYEVM6DX New Horizon Church – Champaign, IL: https://newhorizonchurch.org/giving The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Mill Creek Manor Memory Care and Lighthouse Hospice for their care and compassion.